The new super-grain: teff

Hailed as the next quinoa, and loved by Gwyneth – it’s the latest super-grain to obsess over

26/02/2014 1:59:52 PM

Hailed as the next quinoa, and loved by Gwyneth – it’s the latest super-grain to obsess over

Gwyneth Paltrow and Victoria Beckham aren’t shy of a kale-chip or chia-seed pudding… But that was 2013, and they’re now salivating over the latest super-grain to come from Ethiopia, teff. With a perfect balance of protein, practically zero fat and sugar, teff is being hailed as the holy-grail of nutrition by Oprah’s Dr Oz and nutritionists who are mad for healthy carb-alternatives.

Teff is found on most tables in Ethiopia thanks to its drought-resistant hardiness – meaning Australia’s sunburnt country is perfect for this little grain to flourish, and with farmers getting on-board in the last few years, it’ll pop up in supermarkets throughout the year.

Here’s the nutritional low-down; the poppy seed-sized grain is gluten-free, and is packed with more calcium than a glass of milk (intolerants rejoice). It also has traces of vitamin C in it, which most grains don’t. There’s more; 1 cup of teff can provide about half of your B6 vitamin recommended dietary intake (a medium banana contains 22%). Teff’s resistant starches also improve gut health by feeding good bacteria, and help to manage blood sugar. In short, it’s the MVP of grains.

The nutty-tasting grain is cooked in a similar way to quinoa, boiled in water or stock. When cooked it becomes homogenous in texture, like a porridge. With 286 calories per cup in comparison to quinoa’s 222 calories per cup-serve, it’s a perfect energy-boost for pre-workout or for recovery.

Where to find it? While it’s less popular than quinoa, chat to your local health food shop to see if they stock it. You may find better luck online, with specialist gluten-free online shops stocking the grain. It also comes in flour form – a 600 g bag of flour will set you get back approximately $15. Take solace in the nutritive value, rather than the cost.